Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union are one of the most popular couples in the world. The two superstars started dating back in 2008. After a brief split up in 2013, they were engaged and tied the knot in 2014. The wedding was held in a luxurious castle in Miami in the presence of many celebrities, family, and friends. The power couple currently lives with their children. However, Wade had to battle for the custody of two of his children during a messy divorce from his ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade.

Who is Dwyane Wade’s Ex-Wife, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade?

Siohvaughn Funches-Wade is a successful lawyer, author, and entrepreneur. She reportedly graduated from John Marshall Law School in 2017. She has authored two books. Her first book, The True Story for God’s Glory, was published in 2016. It was an autobiography talking about her relationship and eventual divorce from Dwyane Wade, according to People.

However, the book does not reference Wade by name because of the non-disparagement clause in their divorce settlement. Her next book was You Gotta Let God Finish! which was published in 2018.

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Funches-Wade owns a real estate investment firm as well. She also provides domestic violence counseling. Furthermore, she founded A Woman’s Worth Foundation, which aims to help women struggling with various domestic issues.

How and when did the former couple first meet?

Dwyane Wade met Siohvaughn Funches-Wade when he was just 9 years old and when she was in fifth grade at Harold L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn. Notably, she was a year ahead of Wade in school. The two started dating when they were 16 and were high school sweethearts.

When did Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches-Wade tie the knot?

After high school, Dwyane Wade played college basketball for Marquette University, where he became a superstar. During his time in college, Wade and Siohvaughn Funches-Wade welcomed their first child in 2002. At the time, they were just 20 years old.

A few months later, the couple tied the knot in front of friends and family during his third and final year in Marquette. She was in attendance with their child during multiple college games of Wade, where he dazzled everyone with his performances. One year later, Wade declared for the NBA draft and was selected by the Miami Heat as the fifth pick in 2003.

How many children did Siohvaughn Funches and Dwyane Wade have together?

Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches-Wade had their first child, Zaire Wade, in February 2002. Understandably, the couple was nervous when they welcomed their first kid because they were very young. In his documentary, Wade stated that the birth of his first child was his proudest moment.

However, he also noted that he was excited and nervous at the same time. Five years after their first child and marriage, the couple welcomed their second kid, Zaya Wade, in May 2007. However, things then went south between the two.

What led to the split between Siohvaughn Funches and Dwyane Wade?

The former NBA superstar reportedly filed for divorce in 2007, a few months after the birth of their second child. Wade admitted that their relationship was rocky. He noted that they had been together since they were 16 and they could not handle the many differences they had. However, the legal proceedings were not smooth, and it took six years for the divorce to be finalized.

Dwyane Wade’s costly settlement with ex-wife 

Siohvaughn Funches-Wade filed a lawsuit against the Miami Heat icon during their divorce proceedings. She reportedly claimed that Wade failed to pay her income from his endorsement contracts. She also alleged that his relationship with Gabrielle Union caused her and her children “emotional distress“.

Furthermore, there were reports that the actress was the reason for Wade’s divorce filing. However, Union clarified publicly that they were not together when Wade was married to Funches-Wade. She also noted that it was proven in court. The divorce was finally settled in 2013 after a lengthy and messy battle.

The soon-to-be Hall of Famer was reportedly ordered to pay $5 million to his ex-wife. This was on top of the $25000 Wade had been paying monthly support for Funches-Wade. 

Why Did Dwyane Wade’s ex-wife file an objection over Zaya’s gender reassignment?

Dwyane Wade had won full custody of his two children in a separate legal battle that ended in 2011, two years prior to the divorce settlement with Siohvaughn Funches-Wade. In 2020, the former couple’s second child, Zaya, came out as transgender. Wade showed complete support for his child and openly talked about it as well. In August 2022, he filed a petition to legally change her name and gender.

Two months later, his ex-wife filed an objection in court, alleging that Wade “may be pressuring” Zaya for the name and gender for his financial gain. He also received a lot of criticism from some fans and media personalities for allowing the gender change before his child was an adult.

On the other hand, he also received a lot of support as well. Also, former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, showed her support with a heartfelt message to Zaya during a virtual interview with the child. After another long battle, Zaya was granted the name and gender change in February 2023.